"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion." Philippians 2:1

God offers so much to us. Each of the trinity has a different role in our life. So when I consider what I find in God, are they the things Paul has listed? Is my understanding of God's gifts in-line with God's intention?

Experience all of what God offers the way he designed it to be.

"since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have." Philippians 1:30

We see and hear of struggles other people go through. We foolishly think that it won't happen to us. I'll pray for you to endure these hardships and come out stronger in faith. But not me.

Don't think your road will be any different, 
you will not be excused from life's struggles.

"For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him" Philippians 1:29

We often consider only the good things that God will give to us - his grace, love, freedom and so on. Our decision-making is skewed on the benefits we will reap. Yet it is clear in this verse that we will suffer for him too. This is a part of following Jesus.

Sincerely receive the whole package from God.

"without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved - and that by God." Philippians 1:28

I find it intimidating facing people who aren't on my side. People inevitably have different opinions and varying levels of intensity to portray these. I believe knowing who is in control changes the way I face such situations. Because whatever happens, I know God has my back.

When I am in God, and for God, I will be saved by God.

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel" Philippians 1:27

The way we live tells a story. A story of who we belong to and what has happened to us. Others will spread this information whether good or bad. But Paul had this beautiful vision of unity: standing as one for God and his things.

In every circumstance, live reputably for God and the gospel.

"so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me." Philippians 1:26

Community is supposed to build up others, support, and grow. First and foremost, I must be connected with the Father, the reason and source of all joy. Then will my interactions with others be saturated by the presence of God.

Let my time with people spark their joy in Jesus.

"Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith" Philippians 1:25

We often think of the sacrifices it takes to leave behind what we have to move to a new place to serve. This is what many associate as the mission field. I think it's equally sacrificial to stay when your heart wants to move elsewhere. Jesus is the perfect example of this - without his sacrifices and obedience to stay on earth, we wouldn't be offered redemption.

Forgo my own desires for the sake of others' faith.

"but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body." Philippians 1:24

When I am weighing up decisions, my intuitive response is to consider what is better for me, my growth, and my future. Everything is initially about me. Maybe I will later consider what is necessary or beneficial for others. But what if God has placed me in this specific circumstance so I can be a blessing to others? I don't want to miss out on being who God intended me to be.

Start to first consider the needs of other people before my own.

"I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far" Philippians 1:23

The ultimate question is would I choose to leave this earth and be with Christ? We don't get to make this direct choice, nevertheless, a significant one to ponder. The answer to this question indicates where our hearts are. Choosing to be with Christ doesn't necessarily mean we won't miss anything on earth. But we are willing to give those things up.

Search your heart to discover 'which is better by far'
and ask God to reveal any changes you need to make.

"If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!" Philippians 1:22

Paul struggles too. He didn't know what to do. Or maybe he was leaning towards one side, but couldn't let go of the alternative. Making decisions isn't easy when the two options aren't bad. 

We don't have to have it all figured out;
wrestle with the options as you seek God's answer.

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21

I don't think many of us would be comfortable to say "to die is gain". But this was Paul. It makes me wonder how tightly did he hold onto his life, as if it belonged to himself. For all of us who have chosen to belong to Christ, our life is now our own anymore.

Fill in the blanks
"For to me, to live is _____ and to die is _____."

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death." Philippians 1:20

I always see Paul as this strong missionary. A man who boldly faced suffering. A leader who urged fellow believers to look up at God and not dwell on present circumstances. But here I realised he had the potential to be ashamed. I can relate to this. Perhaps it's what I say and who I say it to, and what the actions I don't take. 

Make every decision a step towards being unashamed
so that God will be exalted in every way.

"for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance." Philippians 1:19

Deliverance does not always have to be physical, it may be a spiritual or emotional breakthrough. I'm reminded of Daniel and his three friends in the way they faithfully prayed and trusted in God's deliverance when situations were against them.

Prayer is powerful and so is the helping hand of God.

"But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice" Philippians 1:18

Perhaps the intention behind a person's action isn't our primary concern. Paul brings the perspective that it's all about the gospel being preached. He rejoices over the fact that Christ is being preached and not whether the peoples' motives are pure.

Focus on what matters - Christ is preached;
rejoice when this happens!

"The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains." Philippians 1:17

I am not good at managing trouble. I hate conflict and unnecessary drama, especially, when they're intentionally created for me. And because I professionally bottle these inside, I have a negative rant and internally blame others when the bottle cap is popped open. In God's grace, I pray I can be more emotionally removed from these situations and wisely navigate them.

Embrace these heightened moments as an opportunity to love and forgive.

"The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel" Philippians 1:16

I am constantly amazed at Paul's understanding of his circumstances. He knows the reasons for where he is. His mind is so focussed only on God, and his perspective is shaped accordingly. I presume he has testified about this to other believers; not in a bragging and boastful way, but in a way that spurs them to live for God and his kingdom alone.

Firstly ask God for wisdom to navigate your circumstance,
and then share this story with those around you.

"It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill." Philippians 1:15

The first question that popped into my mind was "out of what do I preach Christ?" But then as I thought deeper about it, the more important question was "do I preach Christ at all?" And my answer would be "I want to". Prior to my conversations with friends I'm currently learning to pray for God's lead in the conversation and wisdom for how to discuss about God. 

Don't let a conversation finish without God's words in it.

"Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly." Philippians 1:14

I think about Paul and Stephen from the Bible, and missionaries who went to my home country to preach the gospel as people of influence for me. People who have encouraged me to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly; this is exactly my goal.

Live in a way accountable to God, 
and pray that he would use me to encourage others to preach the gospel.

"As a result, it has become clear throughout the palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ." Philippians 1:13

It was clear to everyone that Paul was in chains for Christ. How do I feel when I replace my name for Paul's in this verse? Does it fit well with the way I am currently living? I can imagine Paul telling everyone he met about how Jesus changed his life and he was vocal about ensuring the right gospel was preached.

"In chains for Christ."
A description we ought not to be afraid of but rather strive towards.

"Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel." Philippians 1:12

What is my first reaction when something 'bad' happens to me? When I deem the situation 'bad' already indicates how I view the situation. Paul had insight that what happened to him was for the gospel. Do I see things in perspective of the kingdom of God or that 'God must hate me'?

Ask for insight to see the light and understand the purpose of my darkness.

"filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God" Philippians 1:11

I cannot be righteous on my own accord, it comes through Jesus. Neither is the attainment of righteousness for myself, it is for God. Knowing this lightens the weight on my shoulder because I'm not striving endlessly to achieve something I can't. It's for a greater good beyond myself.

My righteousness has a purpose,
so live like it.

"so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ" Philippians 1:10

It makes sense that if we know something, then we can do it. Our God is unchanging; what he has called us to do and the people we are to become is the same. Therefore, why should we deviate from what has been said in Scripture and think we know better than God?

Wholeheartedly do what you know;
follow the truth.

"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight," Philippians 1:9

What do I pray for others? Paul prayed for others' best interests - their love. This is significant because love is the foundation for everything we do and it compels us to live life the way Jesus did. It is a blessing to have insight beyond ourselves, to gain a broader perspective is a challenge nonetheless.

Pray for others to grow in the knowledge and insights of God.

"God can testify how much I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus" Philippians 1:8

God is a trustworthy witness because he sees and knows everything I do. He knows my intentions and the truth. When I think of the affection of Christ Jesus, his actions of love come to mind. His calming presence on the boat during the storm, his servant heart when washing the disciples' feet, and his sacrificial love when he died on the cross.

Be transformed by the affection of Christ Jesus,
that his affection flows through me to others in this world.

"it is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me." Philippians 1:7

When life gets busy or I'm not in a good headspace, I don't have the capacity to think about others. I think I need to sort out myself first before I can care for others. But in fact, we are all connected through God's grace, no matter the circumstances we are facing. Even if we are far away from each other.

God's grace trumps all;
So don't allow personal circumstances push out others from my heart.

"being confident of this, that he who began the good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

In God, no work is left unfinished. I don't have to take on the pressure of trying to get things done because he is doing the work. The salvation he offers us is already evident of this. I'm honoured to be a recipient of his work and privileged that he will do good work in me as I willingly surrender to him.

God is the Alpha and the Omega,
He will start and complete the work in me.

"because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now" Philippians 1:5

Spreading the gospel and participating in the ministries of God is a partnership. It's not an individual task, nor is it limited to within a church or city. Our partnership in the gospel begins from the first day we receive Jesus. This isn't something we do when we feel like it, it is for the rest of our lives.

Persevere for the gospel,
this includes partnering with people we don't know.

"In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy" Philippians 1:4

What is my attitude when I come to talk to God about others? Sometimes I find myself coming to God with bitterness and complaints about how someone has treated me or what they haven't done. Paul reminds me to pray with joy all the time, no matter what the circumstance.

Let every single one of my prayers be of joy.

"I thank my God every time I remember you." Philippians 1:3

On a pie chart, is the proportion larger on the side I am thinking about myself or others? In what circumstances do I think about other believers and churches? The cross-cultural partnership is a beautiful expression of God's heart for unity. Be thankful that I have an opportunity to be connected to this.

List out the reasons I am thankful for other believers to God.

"Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:2

We wish the best for people we care about. There must have been something special about this grace and peace Paul wanted to bless the church of Philippi. A heavenly and true grace and peace originating from God, brings forgiveness and unity for the advancement of the gospel.

Pray this blessing over someone who hasn't received the gospel;
pray this grace and peace would become a living reality for them.

"Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons" Philippians 1:1

Paul wrote believers in different cities letters despite being far away from them. Believers all over the world are united in Christ Jesus; we all belong to him and serve him. How frequently do I think of believers and churches not in my city? Do I consider them on my team or are they my competitors?

Send a message today to a believer living in a different city.